A synthetic, imitation coral made from calcite and silica, Gilson imitation coral requires heat and pressure to create the final product. This imitation does not exhibit the natural grains often visible in true coral, and shows fine granulation under magnification.

Colors

Red, Pink

Gilson-imitation-coral classification

CommonName

Gilson Imitation Coral

Species

NA

Variety

Colors

Red, Pink

AlternateNames

GemstoneGroups

KeySeparations

RI and magnification

ClassificationComments

Misnomer: synthetic coral

Gilson-imitation-coral chemistry & crystallography

ChemicalName

ChemicalFormula

Synthesis

CrystalSystem

NA

ChemistryClassification

Nature

Simulant

Crystallinity

Aggregate

ChemistryComments

Gilson-imitation-coral optical properties

Transparency

Semitranslucent - Opaque

Dispersion

OpticalComments

RefractiveIndex

1.55

Birefringence

OpticCharacter

OpticSign

PolariscopeReaction

Aggregate (AGG)

Fluorescence

SWUV: inert LWUV: variable

CCFReaction

Pleochroism

None

Gilson-imitation-coral characteristic physical properties

Hardness

3.5-4

CharacteristicComments

Streak

SpecificGravity

Typical:2.44

Toughness

Good

Inclusions

Natural coral will have polyp cavities and fibrous structure imitation coral will have a granular structure under magnification.